Stepping Up To Bat

SPORTS THIS MORNING

February 8, 1989

FORMER MAJOR-league catcher and NBC broadcaster Joe Garagiola has been named president of the Baseball Alumni Team (BAT), the Office of the Commissioner announced. Garagiola, who batted .257 in nine seasons with the Cardinals, Pirates, Cubs and Giants, spent the past 27 years as a broadcaster with NBC. Garagiola: ''I'm excited about this opportunity because I believe in the work that BAT is doing. I've seen the difference BAT has made in the lives of former players, and I realize there is plenty more to do.'' BAT is an organization established to help former players and umpires in need.